Drivers of Irregular Out-Migration from Ethiopia to Saudi Arabia, and Its Implication for Local Development: The Case of Raya, Waja Town
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Date
2020-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Today, irregular migration has become a global concern affecting several countries and lives of
many households. Accordingly, irregular migration has attracted much attention of researchers,
policy makers, politicians and academicians. The aim of this study is to investigate drivers of
irregular out-migration from Waja-Raya to Saudi Arabia, and its implications for local
development. To achieve this, mixed methods research approach were employed. From 1000
households, 277 households were selected to collect primary data. Qualitative data was gathered
through key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were collected
and analyzed to triangulate the qualitative data in descriptive forms. The findings of the study
revealed that the drivers of irregular migration are diverse. Unemployment, culture of migration,
political oppression and restrictive migration laws are some of the drivers. Moreover, the study
found out that irregular migration has positive and negative implications for local development.
The impacts of irregular migration are more detrimental. Therefore, the local government has to
relentlessly endeavor to curb irregular migration. The study recommends that the local
government has to create opportunities to make migrants stay. Besides, to maximize the
development role of migration special attention need to be given to regular migrants by
establishing local institutions such as Institution for Saudi Diaspora.
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Keywords
Irregular, Migration, Drivers, Implications, Local, Development